Multi-panel sign systems and methods

Abstract

A multi-panel sign system including first and second panels, and an adhesive-based fastener. The panels include a panel body and complimentary, first and second interlock structures. The panel body defines a front face for maintaining indicia, and first and second sides. The first and second interlock structures are located adjacent the first and second sides, respectively, and project opposite the front face. In an assembled stated, the first interlock structure of the first panel mechanically locks with the second interlock structure of the second panel to establish a interlocked joint, and the adhesive-based fastener is bonded to the first and second panels. The interlocked joint robustly maintains the panels relative to one another, whereas the adhesive-based fastener serves to prevent inadvertent sliding of the panels. Optically active sheeting can be applied to the front face of the panels, and desired indicia applied to the sheeting.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A multi-panel sign system:
 first and second panels each including:
 a panel body defining a substantially planar front major face for maintaining signage indicia, the panel defining opposing, first and second sides, 
 complimentary, first and second interlock structures located adjacent the first and second sides, respectively, the interlock structures each projecting in a direction opposite the front face, 
 wherein a complimentary configuration of the interlock structures is such that the first interlock structure of the first panel selectively mechanically interlocks with the second interlock structure of the second panel; and 
   an adhesive-based fastener;   wherein the system is configured to provide a disassembled state in which the first and second panels are separated from one another, and an assembled state in which:
 the first interlock structure of the first panel mechanically locks with the second interlock structure of the second panel to establish an interlocked joint, 
 the adhesive-based fastener is adhesively bonded to the first and second panels. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first interlock structure includes a first finger and a first slot; and   the second interlock structure includes a first rail and a first channel;   and further wherein the assembled stated includes the first finger of the first panel captured within the first channel of the second panel, and the first rail of the second panel captured within the first slot of the first panel.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the panel body further defines a rear major face opposite the front major face, and further wherein the first finger projects from the rear major face of the corresponding panel body. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein projection of the first finger from the corresponding panel body is substantially perpendicular to a major plane of the corresponding panel body. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the first finger defines a leading surface opposite a trailing surface, and further wherein the trailing surface defines a portion of the first slot. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the first interlock structure further includes a leg projecting from the rear major face of the corresponding panel body to a location spaced from the first finger, the leg and the corresponding trailing surface combining to define the corresponding first slot. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the leg defines a first side face facing the corresponding first finger and a second side face opposite the first side face, and further wherein at least one of the first side face and the trailing surface projects from the rear major face of the corresponding panel body at an angle that is non-perpendicular to the major plane of the corresponding panel body. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the first finger is laterally offset from the first side of the corresponding panel body in a direction of the corresponding second side. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the second interlock structure further includes:
 a platform extending from the panel body, the platform defining an exterior surface facing, and offset from, the front major face of the corresponding panel body, and an interior surface opposite the exterior surface;   wherein the first channel extends from an open end adjacent the exterior surface to a closed end opposite the open end in a direction away from the exterior surface.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the exterior surface of the platform defines a plane substantially parallel with a major plane of the corresponding panel body. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the adhesive-based fastener is adhered to the exterior surface. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the platform extends beyond the second side of the panel body of the corresponding panel in a direction opposite the first side, and further wherein the assembled state includes a portion of the panel body of the first panel overlying the exterior surface of the platform of the second panel. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the assembled state include the first side of the panel body of the first panel aligned with the second side of the panel body of the second panel. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the assembled state include the adhesive-based fastener adhesively secured to the exterior surface of the platform of the second panel and a rear major face of the panel body of the first panel. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the adhesive-based fastener defines a major plane, and further wherein the assembled state includes the major plane of the adhesive-based fastener arranged substantially parallel with a major plane of the panel body of the first panel and with the exterior face of the platform of the second panel. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the first interlock structure includes a second finger and a second slot; and   the second interlock structure includes a second rail and a second channel;   and further wherein the assembled state include the second finger of the first panel captured within the second channel of the second panel, and the second rail of the second panel captured within the second slot of the first panel.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein each of the fingers and the rails includes a base opposite a free end and defines a direction of extension from the corresponding base to the corresponding free end, and further wherein the direction of extension of the first and second fingers is away from the front major face of the corresponding panel body, and the direction of the extension of the first and second rails is toward the front major face of the corresponding panel body. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the panels is extruded aluminum. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive-based fastener is a double-sided foam tape. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first optically active sheeting applied to the front major face of the first panel; and   a second optically active sheeting applied to the front major face of the second panel.   
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20 , further comprising:
 a first indicia segment formed on the first optically active sheeting; and   a second indicia segment formed on the second optically active sheeting;   wherein the assembled state includes the first indicia segment registered with the second indicia segment to collectively form an indicia item across the first and second panels.   
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the assembled stated includes the interlocked joint preventing rotation of the first panel relative to the second panel, and the adhesive-based fastener preventing sliding of the first panel relative to the second panel. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 22 , further comprising:
 a sign overlay secured to the front face, the sign overlay including a carrier substrate selected from the group consisting of aluminum and plastic, optically active sheeting laminated to the carrier substrate, and indicia formed on the optically active sheeting.   
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the adhesive-based fastener further prevents disengagement of the first interlock structure of the first panel from the second interlock structure of the second panel in the assembled state. 
     
     
         25 . A method of preparing a multi-panel sign, the method comprising:
 receiving first and second panels each including:
 a panel body defining a substantially planar front major face for maintaining signage indicia, the panel defining opposing, first and second sides, 
 complimentary, first and second interlock structures located adjacent the first and second sides, respectively, the interlock structures each projecting in a direction opposite the front major face; 
   interlocking the first and second panels, including the first interlock structure of the first panel mechanically engaged with the second interlock structure of the second panel, and an adhesive-based fastener adhesively bonded to the first and second panels such that the adhesive-based fastener impedes sliding of the first panel relative to the second panel;   disposing a first indicia segment over the front major face of the first panel;   disposing a second indicia segment over the front major face of the second panel; and   wherein the first indicia segment is registered with the second indicia segment to collectively from an indicia item;   and further wherein the interlocked first and second panels are constrained from movement relative to one another to maintain the indicia item.   
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the step of interlocking the first and second panels includes:
 applying the adhesive-based fastener to the second panel;   aligning the first interlock structure of the first panel with the second interlock structure of the second panel such that first panel does not contact the adhesive-based fastener; and   moving the first and second panels toward one another to bring the first panel into contact with the adhesive-based fastener and engage the first interlock structure of the first panel with the second interlock structure of the second panel.